Van Horn Aviation Receives STC/PMA on 206B V2 Main Blades

Van Horn Aviation (VHA) has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification / Parts Manufacturer Approval (STC/PMA) on its updated composite mainrotor blades for the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter.

The VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades contain different carbon fiber ply counts and orientations than the original VHA 206B main rotor blades. This “softens” the blades to mimic the ride and feel of metal blades while maintaining the increased performance of composite blades.

“We’ve been flying these blades on our JetRanger for several months now, completing certification flights, photo shoots, and long multi-state cross-countries,” said VHA CEO James Van Horn. “The ride is about as smooth as a JetRanger can get, and yet you can feel the increased responsiveness. With the new Version 2 blades, the JetRanger handles like a sports car.”

The VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades feature corrosion resistant carbon fiber skin and spars, an efficient NASA-designed laminar-flow airfoil, tapered tip, and stainless steel/nickel abrasion strips along the entire length of the leading edge. Available directly from the company and its distributors, the VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades (part number 20635000-501) can replace OEM metal main rotor blades part numbers 206-010-200-133 and up. List price is $60,000 per blade, with a service life of 10,000 hours (double the metal blade) and no overhauls required.

Under this background, The 4^th Annual Civil Helicopter Industry International Forum 2020 will be held on October 29^th, 2020 in Jiangsu Tianmu Lake, China. The forum was hosted by Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, organized by China Helicopter Design and Research Institute and AVIC Changhe Aircraft Industry (Group) Corporation Ltd, co-organized by Galleon (Shanghai) Consulting Co., Ltd. The forum will mainly focus on manufacturing and operation.

Register your interest or get in touch with marketing@galleon.cc for more details.